IASSW demands urgent action to protect LGBT victims of state violence in Chechnya

IASSW demands urgent action to protect LGBT victims of state violence in Chechnya

In recent weeks, several reports from international media and human rights organisations have documented the existence of Chechnyan concentration camps for people accused of being gay. According to these reports hundreds of people have been arbitrarily detained, tortured and humiliated because of their sexual/ gender orientation.

IASSW is appalled and outraged, and condemns in the strongest terms such disregard of human dignity which brings up memories from the most horrific chapters of European history.

Our association unites its voice with Amnesty international and other human rights organisations demanding the prompt, effective and thorough investigations into the reports of abductions, incarcerations and killings of men accused of being gay in Chechnya.

State claims that these atrocities are not occurring because Chechnya does not have any gay people are clearly absurd. Chechnyans believed to be at risk must be urgently safeguarded and protected under Russian law. Perpetrators must be brought to justice according to Russian and International Humanitarian Law.